How to Plan a 2 days budget trip to Coorg
Some call it as the ‘Kashmir of South’ and some call it as the ‘Scotland of India’. And why not, situated in Western Ghats, Coorg is an attractive hill station that can mesmerise anyone with its pristine beauty.
Located1452 meters above sea level Coorg is blessed with green woody slopes, misty mountains, cascading falls, dense tropical forest, coffee and spice plantations.
This article will give you a precise elaboration of a short but worthy 2-days visit that you can plan for Coorg and in your budget.
How to reach Coorg?
Nearest airport is almost 3 hours away from Coorg, in the coastal city of Mangalore. You can also take a bus journey from Mangalore to Coorg. From Bangalore it’s a 5 to 6 hours road travel that you can either plan by a cab or bus.
Where to stay at Coorg?
There are end number of hotels, homestay and resorts in an around Coorg. Most importantly, there are plenty of hotels at a walking distance from the bus stand. If you are not willing to spend much on your lodging, then you can opt for hotels at Medikeri (the administrative town of Coorg) which you can book at as low as Rs. 500 or Rs. 800 per night. You can book them through Make My Trip or any other online portals. Or you can walk into any hotel for a room provided it’s not a vacation season and all rooms are booked.
How to travel the tourist spots at Coorg?
Both cab service and bike service are available in plenty at Coorg. While a Cab service can take close to Rs. 2000 per day, renting a bike/scooter comes much cheaper at Rs. 600 per day.
Added to the low riding cost of the bike service, the freshness and exciting hilly roads you can zoom pass on the 2-wheelers, makes it a preferred choice to wander Coorg.
Key Places to Visit in Coorg
Two days may not be sufficient to cover all the tourist destination at Coorg but it’s enough to visit the major ones. One day you can dedicate for places around Kushalnagar and the second day you can plan riding towards Mandalpatti.
Places to see in Kushalnagar, Coorg (Day 1)
1. Road and Hill views (Madekeri to Kushalnagar)
As you ride down hill from Madekeri to Kushalnagar, the views are mesmerizing to relax any stressful mind. One can stop anywhere to take pictures. Also, it’s easy to drive thanks to the smooth roads that are broad and brilliant
2. Dubare Elephant Camp
Based on the banks of river Kaveri, Dubare Elephant Camp is a very popular tourist spot. It’s about 15KM south of Kushalnagar. You can spend good amount of time here clicking pictures, viewing elephants’ bath in the river and ride them. Boating and rafting services are available too. There is a horse-riding option as well to try in the location.
3. Nisargadham Ecological park
This is a beautiful eco-park covered with a thick vegetation of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees. Entrance of the park is connected with a hanging bridge. You can witness dears, rabbit and many species of birds in the park. Also, with children’s playground, rope ways and watchtowers, it can be enthralling kids and parents to spend time.
The Kaveri river that flows beside the park is another attraction to take clicks. But be careful going deeper into the waters.
4. Chiklihole Reservoir
Chiklihole Reservoir is few kilometres away from Dubare forest reserve and the connected has dense forest on its both side. The reservoir is on one of the tributaries of the Kaveri river, and is characterised with the water of the dam flowing beautifully. This lush greenis a great picnic spot and thus perfect for family outing as well.
5. Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple)
The famous Namdroling monastery or Golden Temple is located at Bylakuppe few kilometres from Kushalnagar. The forty feet tall golden Buddha statues are the major attraction of this place. Beautiful paintings which depicts the Tibetan Buddhist mythology can be seen on the walls of the temples and institutions. As per the history goes, when Chinese took over Tibet close to 16000 refugees were settled near this monastery. The Monastery was re-established in the year 1972 and 5000 plus monks run this monastery.
Places to visit in an around and Madekeri and riding towards Mandalpatti (Day 2)
6. Omkareswara Temple
Omkareswara Temple, was built by Linga Rajendra in 1820. This famous Siva temple boasts of Islamic and Gothic style of architecture. With four Minarets around and a dome placed at the centre of the temple and a pool in front of it makes it uniquely attractive. Visiting the temple as the first destination before moving towards rest is a good choice as its just a kilometre from Madekeri town.
7. Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls is a must visit spot in Coorg. As the water cascades over rocks falling into the pool with sheer force and bustling sound is a treat to eyes and ears. Amidst the lush green coffee plantation, the waterfall is great place for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, Abbey Falls was previously known as Jesse falls and is considered one of the most attractive falls of South India. From Madekeri town the fall it just 8Kms away.
8. Mandalpatti
Taking a diversion from Abbey falls the road then leads straight to Mandalpatti. From Madikeri it is at a distance of 25- 30 km. The moment you reach this point its panoramic scenic beauty will take your breath away. The place offers tourists unique solitude and space away from the usual commercialization and crowd. Trekking amdist the lush green terrain and riding the narrow roads and getting lost amidst the misty mountains is an adventure worth exploring. You can take some of your most memorable clicks of your lifetime here.
9. Raja Tomb
Raja Tomb also known as Gaddige or Gadduge, the tombs of King Virarajendra, Linga Rajendra along with one of their court priests. This archaeological site was built in the 18th century. Situated in the northern corner of the town the tomb is a vital spot to visit and grab a splendid view of the town.
10. Raja Seat
Raja’s Seat (Seat of the Kings) is a must visit tourist destination of Coorg in Madikeri. This was a recreational spot for kings of Coorg that offers a panoramic view of the misty mountains, green valleys and paddy fields.
The sight that can be witnessed from this place can’t be put into words besides the lovely garden and refreshing mood.
